HC Deb 01 July 1959 vol 608 cc443-5
15. Mr. Swingler

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will now make a further statement about the future of Clayton motor transport depot in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

The Civil Lord to the Admiralty (Mr. T. G. D. Galbraith)

In accordance with an undertaking given to the local authorities and in order to save overheads, the motor transport depot at Clayton, together with its satellites, is being transferred to the Royal Naval Armament Depot, Minworth. The existing premises will be vacated at the end of this year.

Mr. Swingler

Could the Civil Lord be a bit more forthcoming? Will it be possible now to announce to those who are employed at this depot a clear plan as to their future? They have been in a state of uncertainty for months, knowing that this depot would be closed. Is it not possible now to say how many men will remain redundant and what offers of other employment will be available to them?

Mr. Galbraith

I shall certainly look into the possibility of doing that, but in general terms the rundown will start at the end of July and finish by the middle of December.

16. Mr. Swingler

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why workers at Clayton motor transport depot, Newcastle-under-Lyme, have been told that they can have only one week's paid holiday this year.

Mr. T. G. D. Galbraith

Admiralty workpeople are entitled to at least two weeks' paid leave for a full year's service. This leave is earned gradually throughout the twelve months, and some of the workpeople at Clayton will not be employed by us long enough to earn the Ml amount. They will, therefore, be allowed to take only part of their holiday as paid leave and the rest as unpaid leave, if they require it. If at the end of their employment they are found to have earned more leave with pay, they will then be paid for it.

Mr. Swingler

Will the hon. Gentleman look carefully at this matter and give an assurance that the Admiralty will not work out its redundancy plan for these workers at Clayton in such a fashion as deliberately to do some of them out of holidays 1o which otherwise they would be entitled? Will he therefore examine the plan very carefully?

Mr. Galbraith

I shall certainly look into it, but I do not believe the suggestion made by the hon. Member was ever in the mind of the Admiralty.